Level Descriptors according to CEFR

The levels follow the guidelines set out by the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Read the descriptors to choose the most appropriate level according to the CEFR, and then select which course to attend. If the level is too easy/difficult, the tutor will advise which class would be appropriate.

N.B. Exit level depends on exposure to the target language outside the classroom, and on amount of independent study

Beginners

Little or no knowledge

Pre-Intermediate

CEFR A1 - A1+(equivalent GCSE C-E): you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. You can introduce yourself and others, and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where you live and what your job is. You can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. You can fill in basic forms and write a simple postcard.

Intermediate

CEFR A2 - A2+ (equivalent to GCSE A-C): you can understand and communicate on familiar topics such as basic personal and family information, shopping, hobbies, local geography and employment. You can communicate on familiar and routine matters using basic language structures, and write a simple personal letter – e.g. a thanking someone for something.

Upper intermediate

CEFR B1 - B1+(equivalent to A Level C-E): you can understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar topics such as work, education, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling. You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. You can simply describe experiences and events (past tenses), dreams, hopes & ambitions (future tenses), and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Advanced

CEFR B2 (equivalent to A Level A-C): you can understand the main ideas of complex texts on contemporary topics, and can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Mastery

C1 - C2: You can understand colloquial speech even when it’s not clearly structured. You can understand TV and films with little effort. You can express yourself fluently using language flexibly and effectively for both social and professional purposes. You can write clear well-structured text in a style appropriate for the audience.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR) is exactly what its title says it is: a framework of reference. It was designed as a guide to language syllabuses and curriculum guidelines, the design of teaching and learning materials, and the assessment of foreign language proficiency. The CEFR describes foreign language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2, B1 and B2, C1 and C2. It also defines three ‘plus’ levels (A2+, B1+, B2+) to differentiate within levels.